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There are a lot of things people still buy brand new out of habit. You walk into a store, see something you need, and grab it without thinking twice.

But once you start thrifting or buying secondhand, you realize pretty quickly that some items just aren’t worth paying full price for.

In fact, a lot of the things people spend the most money on are the exact same items you can find used for a fraction of the cost, often in just as good condition.

If you’re trying to be more intentional with your money, here are some items that are almost always better to buy secondhand.

Furniture

Furniture loses value fast, even if it’s barely been used. You can find solid wood pieces, tables, dressers, and chairs for a fraction of retail prices just by checking thrift stores, estate sales, or local listings. Most of the time, it just needs a quick clean or minor touch-up.

Home Decor

Things like picture frames, vases, baskets, and wall art can be easily found in thrift stores. These are items people constantly donate when they redecorate, which means you can usually find unique pieces without paying store prices.

Books

Thrift stores, libraries, and used book shops are full of books in great condition for a couple of dollars. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing anything.

Kitchenware

Dishes, glassware, serving bowls, and even small appliances are easy to find secondhand. A lot of these items were barely used before being donated, and older pieces are often better quality than what you’d find new at a similar price point.

Baby Items

Babies outgrow things quickly, which means a lot of baby gear is only used for a short time.

Clothes, toys, and even larger items like high chairs or strollers are often available gently used. It’s one of the smartest areas to shop secondhand.

Clothing

You can find high-quality pieces, name brands, and even items with tags still on them for a fraction of retail prices. It just takes a little patience.

Tools

Tools are built to last, making them perfect to buy used. Garage sales, thrift stores, and local marketplaces often have tools in great condition for much less than buying new.

Seasonal Decor

You can find everything from Christmas decor to fall decorations at thrift stores year after year. There’s no real reason to pay full price for something you’ll only use a few weeks out of the year.

Storage Baskets and Bins

Thrift stores usually have baskets, bins, and containers in all sizes, and they work just as well. It’s an easy place to cut costs without sacrificing function.

Exercise Equipment

Things like weights and even larger machines show up secondhand all the time. It’s worth checking locally before buying anything new.

Office Furniture

Desks, chairs, and shelving are easy to find used, especially as people constantly update their home offices. You can often find sturdy, well-made pieces for much less than store prices and sometimes better quality, too.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture takes a price hit once it’s used, even if it’s still in great condition. With a quick clean, you can get patio sets, chairs, and planters for far less than you’d pay to buy new.

Related: Unique Outdoor Planter Ideas